KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Prices for the MG Hector range in India start at Rs 13.99 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
- Engine options include a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel
- Along with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, there is an optional CVT for the turbo-petrol variants
- The extensive features list is the trump card for MG Hector
When it was introduced in 2019, the MG Hector took the market by storm, becoming the pioneer of connected car features that were unheard of in its category. Fast forward to 2024, the MG Hector is currently in its second facelifted form while facing much stiffer competition than before in the form of the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Safari. Does this 'human thing' form the best connection with humans over its competition? We find out. Moreover, make sure to join our 91Wheels Whatsapp Channel, specifically curated for the latest news and insights from the automotive space.
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2024 MG Hector Pros
Loaded with features
The MG Hector encouraged customers to demand more features and other carmakers to step up in the competition. Even today, the MG Hector has the best equipment list over all its direct rivals. Having the segment-best connected car features and the largest touchscreen infotainment in any car on sale in India, the Hector also has other features like ventilated front seats, a powered tailgate, powered front seats, an Infinity sound system, and more.
Competition check: While the MG Hector still leads the pack of midsize SUVs in features, direct rivals like the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Harrier, and Safari are not too far behind.
Spacious cabin
In its five-seater version, the MG Hector has tremendous space in the second row of seats, giving the occupants a very comfortable feel over longer journeys. The 2,750mm wheelbase allows class-leading leg room and knee room for the second row of seats in the MG Hector.
Competition check: While the XUV700, Harrier, and Safari are also spacious, the Hector is simply outstanding when it comes to rear seat space.
Commanding road presence
The MG Hector has always commanded a good road presence because of its tall stance and many chrome elements on the outside. After the initial craze had fizzled out, the MG Hector bounced back with its second facelift, bringing in what MG calls Argyle-inspired chrome grille and connected LED tail lamps. While the exterior tweaks in the second facelift are not to everyone's taste, they make the Hector a sheer attention grabber.
Competition check: The MG Hector's exterior has more chrome embellishments than its direct rivals, the XUV700, Harrier, and Safari.
Reliable and tractable diesel engine
Along with the Tata siblings, the Harrier and Safari, and the Jeep duo, Compass and Meridian, the MG Hector also comes with the option of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine sourced from Fiat. With appreciable torque in the mid-range, this Fiat-sourced diesel engine has also proven its reliability over the years. Even in the Hector, this diesel engine feels impressive with its tractability, thus making the Hector a good mile muncher.
Competition check: The MG Hector diesel doesn't have class-leading power and torque figures, with the Mahindra XUV700 leading the segment with its 2.2-litre diesel engine.
2024 MG Hector Cons
Body roll at higher speeds
One of the biggest concerns MG Hector owners face is the prominent body roll that can be easily felt while driving at highway speeds. The Hector's skinny tyres are to blame. While MG tried to correct this by offering 18-inch wheels in the higher variants, the lesser tyre width, light steering, and soft suspension translate into an evident body roll.
Competition check: Compared to MG Hector, the Mahindra XUV700, Tata Harrier, and Safari feel more composed and sure-footed at higher speeds.
No diesel-automatic variants
A massive miss in the current times, the MG Hector has no variants offering the desirable combination of a diesel engine and an automatic transmission. An enormous chunk of midsize SUV sales is coming from the variants having this combination. While MG offers CVT with the turbo-petrol engine, it has no automatic transmission option for the diesel engine.
Competition check: The direct rivals XUV700, Harrier and Safari have a 6-speed automatic transmission option for their diesel engine options.
Limited after sales-support
While MG has been in the Indian car market for almost half a decade now, its sales and service network is still short compared to competitors like Mahindra and Tata. Even Kia, which entered the Indian car market at the same time when MG debuted, has a more expansive sales and service network than MG.
Competition check: Mahindra and Tata have more sales and service touchpoints when compared to MG.
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Verdict
The MG Hector might not be as dynamically sorted as its direct rivals, such as the Mahindra XUV700 and Tata Harrier/Safari. However, it still scores high on the bling factor, having the segment-best equipment list and cabin space.
